It’s almost palpable, the sense of excitement that has taken residence in our home. With 5-year-old Ben eager to start kindergarten and 3-year-old Kate poised to begin preschool, these are thrilling times indeed!

But such major changes don’t come without some anxiety, too. (For them or for me, I’m not saying.)

Here are just a few tips to make this transition easier. (And this isn’t just for the starting-school crowd; it’s for the back-to-school crowd, too.)

Helpful hints

• Model enthusiasm. Express interest and excitement about the start of the school year. Talk about the fun times they can expect: meeting new friends, spending time with old friends, learning new topics, and enjoying school activities.

• Ask about concerns—and listen. Ask your child about his or her feelings. You may think you know what your child is feeling already, but it is important to listen to what they actually say.

• Discuss solutions. Even if your child’s concerns seem minor to you, help develop a solution. Odds are, it doesn’t seem small to your child.

• Reassure your child. Don’t forget to let your child know that such feelings are normal. I think everyone feels a bit of trepidation about a new school year somewhere along their school career.

• Visit the school. Many schools now begin the year with “orientation” events. Even if such an event is not available, you may be able to arrange a time to stop by with your child and take an informal tour of the building. This may help to ease the fears of children who are worried about getting lost.

• Schedule a playdate. If you know someone whose child will be going to the same school—or if you know someone who knows someone whose child will be going to the same school—try to arrange a time for the children to meet. Even if you only manage one or two dates before the start of school, the sight of a familiar face may help your child feel more comfortable. (As an added bonus, you’ll have a chance to compare notes, too.)

• Practice the routine. Start keeping “school bedtimes” a couple of weeks in advance. Practice waking up to the alarm clock a couple of days in advance. Set our school clothes and supplies the night before.

• Review the rules. This seems especially important for parents whose children will be riding the bus, but it applies to those whose children will walk home and those who will drive their children, too. Go over strategies for staying safe, such as keeping back from the edge of the street and being aware of cars.

• Talk about school. Make time each day to discuss what’s going on at school.

• Get involved—and stay involved. Find out what you can do at your child’s school. Attend school functions, help with the parent-teacher or parent-community organization, and/or volunteer in the classroom. This will show your child that you value the school and their education. It also makes the school a better place!

Remember: Some nervousness about the start of school is normal, but if you notice a prolonged sense of anxiety, you may want to investigate. Dr. Patrick S. Pasquariello, Jr. recommends that, if their child continues to be anxious or stressed, parents “look for signs of bullying or peer pressure to participate in dangerous activities.”

Here’s hoping that the excitement of school is felt throughout the upcoming year!